TheCitizen - It's all about you
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials
No Result
View All Result
TheCitizen - It's all about you
No Result
View All Result

FG calls for humane deportation process as U.S. set to deport 85 Nigerians

The Editor by The Editor
February 17 2025
in Latest News
A A
0
FG calls for humane deportation process as U.S. set to deport 85 Nigerians

Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukw

22
SHARES
734
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged the U.S. to adhere to established protocols when deporting immigrants from its territory.

She made this appeal in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, following a visit by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., to the ministry.

In a statement issued by Magnus Eze, her special assistant on communication and new media, Odumegwu-Ojukwu voiced concerns over the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System.

She highlighted the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S. since the new administration signalled its intention to deport certain categories of immigrants.

“With the new U.S. administration, we want commitments. If deportation must happen, it should be dignified,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.

She revealed that around 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration camps, with approximately 85 already cleared for deportation.

“Will they be given time to manage their assets, or will they simply be bundled onto planes and sent back?” she asked, stressing the trauma deportation could cause.

She noted that deportation affects not just those being repatriated but also their families in Nigeria, who depend on their remittances for survival and education.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for deported individuals to be treated with dignity and allowed to settle their affairs before returning.

She also urged the U.S. government to reconsider suspending the Drop Box Visa Policy, ensuring genuine travellers are not unduly burdened when applying for visas.

The minister called for an official U.S. statement clarifying its stance on the Drop Box system to address growing concerns among Nigerians.

She pointed out that over 14,000 Nigerian students study in the U.S., with parents in Nigeria worried about possible changes to student visa policies.

Regarding USAID’s uncertain future, she said, “We cannot confirm outright suspension, but many NGOs are anxious for clarification.”

She appealed for the continuation of USAID programmes, citing their importance in addressing humanitarian issues in Nigeria and across Africa.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended post-COVID-19 trade relations between both countries and encouraged investments in mining and the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’ for bilateral assessments.

In response, Mills clarified that the Drop Box Visa Policy had not been suspended but was under review as part of the new administration’s policy adjustments.

He assured that USAID remains committed to life-saving initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid, though some NGOs were experiencing difficulties.

Mills also expressed concerns about democracy in Africa, the withdrawal of three Sahel countries from ECOWAS, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

On deportation, he stated that repatriated Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, with no consideration for alternative destinations like Port Harcourt or Abuja.

“The first group will include convicted criminals and those who have violated U.S. immigration laws. Some appealed but were denied and must now leave,” Mills explained.

He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to strengthening trade relations with Nigeria, saying, “This administration will focus more on trade and commerce to sustain our strong relationship.” – NAN.

Share9Tweet6
Previous Post

36 Lagos Assembly members pass vote of confidence in Meranda

Next Post

Anambra security outfit to arrest women seen without bra, pants in public

Related Posts

Judgments on election matters turning Nigeria’s democracy upside down – Jonathan
Latest News

Nigeria @ 65: Jonathan urges Nigerians not to lose hope

October 1 2025
Kwara will not be haven for bandits – AbdulRazaq
Governance

Kwara will not be haven for bandits – AbdulRazaq

October 1 2025
Armed robbers kill ARISE TV anchor in Abuja
Latest News

Doctors tried to resuscitate her, FCT CP speaks on Arise TV anchor’s death

October 1 2025
Supreme Court affirms Mbah as Enugu State Governor
Governance

Nigeria @ 65: Enugu gov urges optimism, unity

October 1 2025
FG announces end of PENGASSAN, Dangote rift
Business

FG announces end of PENGASSAN, Dangote rift

October 1 2025
Nigeria @65: Millions of Nigerians grappling with hunger, insecurity, joblessness despite ongoing reforms – CAN
Latest News

Nigeria @65: Millions of Nigerians grappling with hunger, insecurity, joblessness despite ongoing reforms – CAN

October 1 2025
Next Post
Anambra security outfit to arrest women seen without bra, pants in public

Anambra security outfit to arrest women seen without bra, pants in public

UK authorities extradite three Nigerians to U.S for internet fraud

Police arrest 11 for cybercrimes in partnership with Japanese Police

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FROM THE GRASSROOTS

Rivers court adjourns hearing on LG poll legitimacy

Rivers court adjourns hearing on LG poll legitimacy

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

...

Osun households get free food items

Osun League of Imams & Alfas urges Tinubu to intervene in LG withheld funds

by The Editor
August 27 2025
0

...

Withheld allocations: Osun State drags FG to Supreme Court

Withheld allocations: Osun State drags FG to Supreme Court

by The Editor
August 27 2025
0

...

APC begins campaigns for Rivers LG election

APC begins campaigns for Rivers LG election

by The Editor
August 14 2025
0

...

APPOINTMENTS

Benue govt threatens sanctions over unauthorised governor’s portrait

Benue Assembly okays Alia’s request for 10 more special advisers

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

...

Cross River gets new head of service

Cross River gets new head of service

by The Editor
September 17 2025
0

...

Police IG appoints Lagos PPRO, CSP Hundeyin, as new Force PRO

Police IG appoints Lagos PPRO, CSP Hundeyin, as new Force PRO

by The Editor
September 5 2025
0

...

NNPC Limited appoints new Corporate Communications, Relations Chiefs

NNPC Limited appoints new Corporate Communications, Relations Chiefs

by The Editor
September 3 2025
0

...

ODDITIES

Police clear Pastor Adefarasin of viral firearm allegation

Police clear Pastor Adefarasin of viral firearm allegation

by The Editor
September 17 2025
0

Japanese political party to install AI leader

Japanese political party to install AI leader

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

Three patients die at AKTH as KEDCO cuts power over debt

Three patients die at AKTH as KEDCO cuts power over debt

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

GLOBAL NEWS

Madagascar President fires government after Gen-Z protests

Madagascar President fires government after Gen-Z protests

by The Editor
September 30 2025
0

...

US gunman kills one, sets fire to Mormon Church

US gunman kills one, sets fire to Mormon Church

by The Editor
September 28 2025
0

...

Ebola death toll in Congo hits 502

Ebola outbreak in DR Congo claims 15 lives

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

...

Ukraine: Putin has let me down, says Trump as UK visit ends

Ukraine: Putin has let me down, says Trump as UK visit ends

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

...

EU proposes sanctions against Israel

EU proposes sanctions against Israel

by The Editor
September 17 2025
0

...

State of the States

Senator denies bill to rename Kaduna to Zazzau State

Kaduna State pays ₦72,000 minimum wage

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

...

Gov. Mbah designates Udi, Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Nsukka LGAs as urban areas

Miyetti Allah commends Enugu Govt over peaceful intervention in herders’ attack

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

...

Land dispute claims 100 lives in Ebonyi communities

Ebonyi govt bans graduation ceremonies for nursery, primary schools

by The Editor
September 5 2025
0

...

Gov. Mbah revamps, upgrades Nigergas after 30-year dormancy

Gov. Mbah revamps, upgrades Nigergas after 30-year dormancy

by The Editor
August 29 2025
0

...

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Judgments on election matters turning Nigeria’s democracy upside down – Jonathan

Nigeria @ 65: Jonathan urges Nigerians not to lose hope

October 1 2025
Kwara will not be haven for bandits – AbdulRazaq

Kwara will not be haven for bandits – AbdulRazaq

October 1 2025
Armed robbers kill ARISE TV anchor in Abuja

Doctors tried to resuscitate her, FCT CP speaks on Arise TV anchor’s death

October 1 2025
Supreme Court affirms Mbah as Enugu State Governor

Nigeria @ 65: Enugu gov urges optimism, unity

October 1 2025

EDITORIAL REVIEW

To make the Fourth Mainland Bridge dream come true – Guardian

To make the Fourth Mainland Bridge dream come true – Guardian

by The Editor
September 30 2025
0

Resolve pensioners’ agitation – Punch

Resolve pensioners’ agitation – Punch

by The Editor
September 30 2025
0

Africa is ripe for UN Security Council seats – Punch

Africa is ripe for UN Security Council seats – Punch

by The Editor
September 29 2025
0

Amnesty Int’l damning report on South-East killings – The Sun

Amnesty Int’l damning report on South-East killings – The Sun

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

Sen. Natasha debunks forged apology, vows to expose political oppression

End the Natasha impasse – Punch

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

Opinion

1975 public service purge: What have we learnt?

1975 public service purge: What have we learnt?

by The Editor
September 30 2025
0

...

Tinubu finds his own demons

Nigeria’s state of weakness

by The Editor
September 18 2025
0

...

#ENDSARS: A wakeup call for Nigerian media

Passport hikes and burden of multiple means of identification crisis in Nigeria

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

...

China is redefining global order

China is redefining global order

by The Editor
September 16 2025
0

...

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2024 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Headlines
  • Latest News
  • Governance
  • Business
  • Financial Crimes
  • Opinion
  • Editorials

© 2024 TheCitizen Ng. All Rights Reserved.